Monday, April 14, 2025

7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Registration Open

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.          Breakfast 
(Pinnacle Ballroom)

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.          Welcomes  (Pinnacle Ballroom)

8:30  - 9:15 a.m.         Keynote Session   (Pinnacle Ballroom)
Building Bridges in Challenging Times (L)
When is Downtown and commercial district management and revitalization not challenging?? I once was introduced at an event with  “If it wasn’t impossible, it wouldn’t be on Kate’s to do list”. This is a good description of our jobs! Rallying the troops to achieve the strategic plan can be daunting at times, and some days it seems like you are out there on the corner all by yourself taking all the incoming. There is a way, and it is through partnerships - because our work is a team sport, and the bigger and more diverse our partnerships, the clearer the path to success. I have been fortunate to have many great mentors in Seattle and in the International Downtown Association and look forward to sharing what I have learned.

Kate Joncas, Director of Urban Strategy and Development, MIG


9:15 - 10:30 a.m.        Breakout Sessions  (Pinnacle Ballroom)                             

  1. Safety in Our Streets (S)
    Now, more than ever, there is an urgency for BIAs to find better ways to protect our downtown business and property owners. This session introduces you to three BIA’s who have created initiatives aimed at reducing the unwanted and unacceptable behaviours that are negatively impacting our members and their customers. You will learn how partnerships and collaboration are important in addressing initiatives that have and will address the disorder in proactive ways.

    Brett Turner, Executive Director, Penticton BIA
    Landon Hoyt, Executive Director, Hastings Crossing BIA

  2. AI for BIAs: Practical and Ethical Uses (OD) - more info to come!


10:30 - 10:50 a.m.      Tradeshow + Networking Break (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)       SPONSORED BY DEKRA LITE INDUSTRIES

10:40 - 12:00 p.m.       Mobile Tour (departs from main lobby)

  1.  Darrell Mussatto: Revitalization of The Shipyards
    Join us for a walking tour around The Shipyards with the former Mayor of North Vancouver, Darrell Mussatto, discussing the revitalization of a vacant industrial site into the vibrant community hub we see today.

    Darrell knows first-hand the policy and political will that it took to get the shipyards plan into reality, so bring your questions and expect to hear some inside-stories!

10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.    Breakout Sessions 

  1. Embedding Equity: Inclusive Event Planning for Vibrant Communities (OD, M+E)
    How do we create events that truly reflect and celebrate the diversity of our communities? Join Angelene Prakash (Downtown New West BIA) and Teri Smith (West End BIA) for a dynamic session on embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into event planning in ways that are New Westminster is a culturally diverse city with deep Indigenous and queer history, while the West End is at the heart of Vancouver’s LGBTQIA+ community. Both BIAs have made it a priority to ensure their events go beyond surface-level representation, creating spaces where all feel welcome, seen, and valued.intentional, impactful, and community-driven. This session will break down practical strategies, real-life successes, and key lessons learned in planning events that honor the communities they serve. Whether you're looking for new approaches or wondering where to start, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to take action. Equity in events isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Let’s talk about how to make it happen.
    Angelene Prakash, Executive Director, Downtown New West BIA
    Teri Smith, Executive Director, West End BIA
  2. Governance Best Practices (L) more info to come!
     

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.        Lunch & Keynote  (Pinnacle Ballroom)

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.        Tradeshow Open  (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)

1:05 – 2:30 p.m.          Mobile Tours (depart from main lobby)

  1. Darrell Mussatto: Revitalization of The Shipyards
    Join us for a walking tour around The Shipyards with the former Mayor of North Vancouver, Darrell Mussatto, discussing the revitalization of a vacant industrial site into the vibrant community hub we see today.

    Darrell knows first-hand the policy and political will that it took to get the shipyards plan into reality, so bring your questions and expect to hear some inside-stories!

  2. MONOVA: Coast Salish Wool Weaving worshop & Gallery tour 
    Experience one of the best small museums in BC, MONOVA.

    The Museum and archives of North Vancouver is an inspirational and transformative community hub where the stories of North Vancouver’s people, places and past come to life.

    MONOVA staff will open the doors for a private experience of the permanent exhibit, and a special Coast Salish Wool Weaving session, led by Squamish Nation cultural programmer, Tsawaysia Spukwus

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.         Breakout Sessions 

  1. Too Much of a Good Thing? (ED)

    Learn about the innovative work of International Avenue which has been analyzing data on the clustering of land uses and the impact. Is there a direct correlation on the crime and safety of districts by the types of uses that collect in an area?
    Alison Karim-McSwiney, ED, International Avenue BRZ

  2.  more info to come!

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.        Tradeshow + Networking Break (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)       SPONSORED BY DEKRA LITE INDUSTRIES

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.        Breakout Sessions

  1. Renewals and Expansions: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (OD)
    Renewal is unique to BC BIAs. Expansion of a district may be included or done separately. Understand the legal framework, learn best practices, explore innovative strategies and discuss successful case studies.
    Panelists: Isabel Kolic, Executive Director, Burnaby Heights BIA, Colleen Van Mook, Executive Director, Prince George BIA, Angela Evans, Executive Director, Collingwood BIA
  2. Stronger Together: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration with Community Organizations (L)
    Discover how three dynamic BIAs have joined forces with local community organizations to bring transformative projects to life. Learn their secrets to building meaningful partnerships, creating lasting impact, and bridging connections that elevate both businesses and communities. Prepare to be inspired by real-world success stories and practical strategies that you can put into action.
    Speakers to be announced

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.        Tradeshow Cocktail Reception (Foyer/Pinnacle Ballroom)

6:00 p.m.                  Dine Around Groups - depart from lobby

 

See Tuesday's Program Details

Registration Information

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